Latest: Two men in court for drug trafficking over Cookstown and Magherafelt cannabis factories

Dungannon Court

Published:12:26Monday 21 September 2015

The two men arrested by detectives from Reactive and Organised Crime Branch following the discovery of discovery of five cannabis factories in the last 12 months have been charged with various drug trafficking offences.

Both are due to appear at Dungannon Magistrates Court on Monday 21 September.

The men, aged 33 and 34, were arrested in Newry on Saturday evening and Portadown on Sunday morning.

The seizures at Carrickmore, Millisle, Magherafelt, Cookstown and Portadown resulted in the recovery of cannabis plants with a total estimated street value in excess of £1.5m.

Detective Inspector Andy Dunlop said: “We have been conducting ‘Operation Solaro’ for over a year in conjunction with our colleagues in An Garda Siochanna. Solaro is a Northern Ireland wide investigation into cannabis cultivation which stretches to the Irish Republic.

“We have already charged a number of people in connection with the discoveries. Criminals should be aware that we are not satisfied simply seizing their drugs and arresting whoever we find tending to the plants.

“We conduct thorough investigations in our efforts to identify everyone involved - to ensure we ultimately have the right people before the courts”.